Ironbridge to have no fanfare for Christmas lights
Christmas lights in Ironbridge will be switched on in late November without the usual fanfare this year – because of fears over health and safety.
Last year more than 3,000 people turned out to watch Father Christmas turn on the lights at the World Heritage Site.
But Gorge Parish councillors agreed to rein in the celebrations this year amid parking and safety fears.
Members decided the lights will be turned on without any formal switch-on in late November.
Councillor Ben Whitehouse told last night's council that concerns had been raised that were "of such magnitude that they could not be resolved" by the switch-on date.
He said: "Last year around 3,500 people were there and there is nothing to indicate that would not happen again. We do not have the capacity to cope with that.
"We are victims of our own success. The scale is no longer appropriate for a small committee."
The council carried out a review following complaints that youngsters were in tears as they could not see Father Christmas because of the number of people.
Telford police spokeswoman Denise Wakefield said the police had been asked to help.
"Police were in the planning stages of providing extra resources for the event later on in the year. We accept the decision made by the parish council," she said.
Councillors said they planned to reinstate the switch-on in 2013.
